Eddie Howe had a bid for Ake rebuffed in January but could go again in the summer

And while they were buoyed by an impressive 3-2 win against West Ham at the weekend thanks to Josh King’s hat-trick, defending is still an issue and has been less tight since Ake’s departure – with only Swansea conceding more in the top flight this term.

The Cherries also looked at a surprise January swoop for long-serving Chelsea captain and one club man John Terry, who is also out of contract this summer – meaning another swoop could be on the cards.